To adjust a device (printer, monitor, image setter, or scanner) so it produces accurate and predictable output. Despite claims to the contrary, few computer screens and colour devices costing less than $100,000 can be calibrated accurately enough to be considered colour correct.

To determine and verify the scale of a measuring instrument with a standard. Thermometers used in food establishments are commonly calibrated using an ice slush method (32°F or 0°C) or a boiling point method (212°F or 100°C).

The hydrology and hydraulic computer models used to determine the floodplains are checked using actual data from real events like Tropical Storm Allison to make sure that the model are accurately predicting the level of flood risk for Harris County citizens. Back

To ascertain that the output of a device properly corresponds to the information it is measuring, receiving or transmitting. This might involve the location of scale graduations, adjustment to bring the output within specified tolerance or ascertaining the error by comparing the output to a reference standard.

Adjustment of a machine to a standard by measuring the deviation and correcting the measured value according to a deviation table during operation of the machine. For an exact (color) reproduction of the original, all input and output devices such as scanner, monitor, printer, offset-printer should be calibrated.

To adjust or compare an instrument with a standard, which may be man-made or naturally occurring. The readings may be calibrate with correction tables, or curves, so that their errors can be compensated. Oxford Reference Online Keyword(s): calibrate, calibrating, calibration

To ascertain, usually by comparison with a standard, the locations at which scale or chart graduations should be placed to correspond to a series of values of the quantity which the instrument is to measure, receive or transmit. Also, to adjust the output of a device, to bring it to a desired value, within a specified tolerance for a particular value of the input. Also, to ascertain the error in the output of a device by checking it against a standard.